Sunshine Herald

Druid Hills United

Methodist Church

A Monthly Publication of Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Serving Christ by Learning, Leading and Loving

Sunshine Herald
DECEMBER 2014

From the Pastor:

Rev. Daryl W. Allen

Greetings Sisters and Brothers!

As I sit here and write this piece today, my mind is racing. I am thinking about
the end of Parkers and Wesleys baseball seasons. I am thinking about the
members of my family that I will see at Thanksgiving and Christmas; as well as
those I have lost and will not see. I am thinking about when I have to be
where and at what time. And none of this takes into consideration the many
activities and opportunities that are taking place here at Druid Hills and those I
will participate in to support Debbie and Belleview UMC.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor

Caring and Sharing

Activities

3,4,5

Calendar

Children's Home

PACE

I tell you all of this because I know all of you are dealing with the same
thoughts in your own lives. We all have invitations we have accepted, places
that we want to be and often times are wondering how we will get it all done
with only 24 hours in a day. When I read or hear someone say there are only
so many days or weeks before Christmas, I do not know about you but my
heart rate picks up a tick.
Therefore, I want to encourage all of us to take a break. Not a long break
mind you, but a break. Every day I want to encourage you to take a few moments in the morning before you get started with your day or in the evening
just before you lay down to rest and I want you to thank God. No phones, no
computers, no books, no disruptions; just you and God. Thank God for all God
has done for you that day. Thank God for all the opportunities you have to
share love and life with those closest to you. Thank God for being God and
walking with you through the joyous times and the sad times. This is not the
same as your daily prayer time. This is different. This is separate.
My hope for you is that as you engage in this practice any anxiety you are harboring may ease up; any stress that is building may dissipate a bit; and the
focus of your day may shift from have to to excited to. You see it can be in
that excited to mentality that you might notice God, feel Christ, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is in that anticipatory state of mind that the
meaning of Christs birth can come alive. It is in that type of childlike hopefulness that we can feel the excitement that comes with remembering that all
those years ago, when Christ gave up his place in Heaven to walk across the
cosmos and meet us as we were, where we were, to show us how much we
are loved, that our lives will be forever changed.
May you each feel that assurance and hope this Advent season. May you each
have your faith strengthened and may you all feel yourselves drawn closer to
God. The gift of Jesus is one that reminds us that not only are we loved by our
Creator, but that our Creator loves each and every person around us. Share
that love with another, do not get lost in the hustle and bustle, and may you
all have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!
Blessings,

12/01
12/03
12/04
12/10

Louise Cox
Gloria Ufkes
Nancy Battin
Sam Burnette
Gayle Huels
12/12 Jack Grieves
Federico Lopez
12/14 Ellen Sisson
12/23 Chip Baskin

Sunshine Herald

Page 2

Prayer serves as the backbone of the church. It is what supports all our efforts of ministry. In that spirit, you are invited to hold these persons in your prayers and thoughts.
Just as the Spirit needs healing, so does the body. The two,
it seems, go together in Gods plan.

Please remember these people in prayer:

Rose Carroll, Eunice Charles, Tiffany Critchfield, Jerry Davis,
Cynthia DeKersky, Debbie Durham, Raymond & Violet Dyer,
Lola Frisbee, Judy Fitch, Madeleine Gamble, Chris Garris,
Jack Grieves, Dan Grishkin, Carolina Hadley, Joe Hager, Tola
& Emil Hass, George Hettel, Robert Hildenbrandt, Jean
Hoesman, Lorrin Hosey, Tom Klotz, John Klinger, Bonnie &
Jim Knepp, Joanne Knepp, Alene Krouse, Flo LaVine, Susan &
Randy Leighton, Joey Liu, Michael MacPherson, Carolyn
McCarthy, Bob McCarty, Sandi Moore, Landon Parish, Jenny
Piner, Doris Pitts, Jan Ridley, P. R. Rion, Joe Scott, Joe Scott
Jr., Richard Serviss, Amy Smith, Floy Smith, Jane Stahurski,
Dorothy Stein, Mickey Stevens, Chuck Tharpe, Shelley Tracy,
Norma Jean Uher, Eileen Zimmerman, David Wallace, Ray
Wittemauer

The Sunshine Herald is the monthly publication of Druid Hills United Methodist
Church.
Editor: Jerrie Corpe
Pastor: Rev. Daryl W. Allen
Pastors Blog:

www.pastordaryl.blogspot.com
Director of Worship Arts:
Joan Foren
Email: druidhillsocala@gmail.com
Phone:

352-629-5688

Mail:

1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd.

Ocala, FL 34471

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Monday through Friday
Website: www.druidhillsocala.org
Our Mission:
We are a fellowship of believers
Serving Christ by
Learning, Leading and Loving

OUR STEWARDSHIP
AND ATTENDANCE
(October)

Offering:
Last Year +/Vanco On Line

$ 9,770.00
$+23,605.00
$ 2,460.00

Childrens Home: $

464.58

Parking Income:

750.00

Average Attendance
Worship ...121
Sunday School/Adult Focus ...10
Childrens Church......6
APPORTIONMENTS

Payment/mo $ 1,295.00
Annual Apport...$ 15,503.00
Remaining Amt...$ 1,295.00
MORTGAGE

Payment/mo .$ 1,912.48
Remaining Bal .$104,681.93

CHRIST IS BORN !

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The Newsletter deadline each month
is the 3rd Sunday. If you have information you want published, you can
write it up on the proper submission
form and submit it to the church office prior to the deadline or email to
druidhillsocala@gmail.com. Please
remember when writing articles for
publication to include all the basics
of the information you want communicated: who, what, when, where,
why, and how. Articles may be edited as necessary.
January Newsletter deadline will be
Dec. 15.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sunshine Herald

Page 3

CHILDRENS HOME NEWS

Brothers and Sisters,
As your Childrens Home Local Church Representative (LCR), I thank God constantly for your support
through the quarter buckets, and the 5th Sunday Offering, which help fund the Homes many programs.
Libby Orbison, who has been Druid Hills LCR for the past few years, has decided to concentrate on her other ministries in the church, including Sisters of Soul and Interfaith Emergency Services monthly dinners.
The Home is richer for having Libby help promote our ministry, and I sincerely thank her for the inspiration
and support.
With the Christmas Offering around the corner, prayerfully consider how you can best help the Home reach
out to more children in need across the state. For when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me [Matthew 25:40 (CEB)].
For more about the Childrens Home, donating or volunteering, visit the newly redesigned website
www.allchildrenfirst.org, and follow them on Facebook (fumch) and Twitter (@fumch1908).
On behalf of the children and staff of the Childrens Home, I wish you and yours a very, merry Christmas.

Anne Zecca, Local Church Representative

FL United Methodist Childrens Home Brothers and Sisters,

CHILDRENS DRAMA WORKSHOP

There will be an orientation meeting, Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Education Building . This workshop is for children ages 5yrs old and up. Permission slips will be available the day of the meeting for those that have
not already submitted one. I am looking forward to seeing both parents and children at orientation.
Ms. Joy , Childrens Ministry Coordinator

OCALA HEALTH AND REHAB CENTER IS LOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS HELP

Ocala Health and Rehab is the skilled nursing facility that we visit at 2:00 pm every 3rd Sunday of the month. We go to
the facility to offer a time of worship with Word and Song and have developed a wonderful relationship with them over
the past nine years.
The Activities Department wants to insure that each resident receives a gift at Christmas. If you would like to help, here
is a list of suggested items: sweaters, sweat pants and tops, non skid socks, mens t-shirts and pj pants, ladys moomoos or robes, body lotion, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, hair berets/head bands, CD/Radio players, DVD or
classical music from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, baby dolls (realistic looking), stuffed animals (realistic looking), and
costume jewelry. Drop off your gift to the church office by Sunday, December 14th. Please wrap the gift and attach a
note that states it is for a male or female. Thank You and God Bless. If you have any questions, please contact Terri
Silvola-Finch.

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Page 4

MOVING FORWARD

On December 1st at 11:00am we will meet to go out to eat at Aunt Fannies in Belleview. Please let Linda or
Doris know that you will be going so no one is left behind.
Moving Forward would also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to our church family for the wonderful support
in packing the 51Christmas Shoeboxes and giving $344.00 towards mailing costs. Can you just see all the
smiling faces? We can!
THANKSGIVING CHURCH DINNER FOLLOW UP: A great time was had by all. Everyone laughed,
reminisced over the video and of course ate, ate and ate the wonderful food that was prepared and shared. A
SPECIAL THANK YOU goes out to all of the behind the scene teams that made this day of thanks possible: the set up crew, the decorating crew, the turkey bakers, the pie servers, and the clean-up crew. A Gold
Star was earned by all for a job well done!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will start up again on Wednesday, December 17th. We need knitters and
crocheters. Can you help or do you know someone that can? Please call Betty Erickson or Louise Cox.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND A BOWL OF CHILI : On Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 pm
all who are interested in having fun, spreading cheer and the Christmas Spirit will meet here in Fellowship
Hall. First, we will start by meeting at the church and caravan to a few area nursing homes to sing.
Second we will return to the church to enjoy some chili : so those that are
able please bring a pot of your favorite recipe. Then third, we will
divide up and visit a few of the homes of our church members that
are home bound to sing Christmas Carols to them. Sign up at the
Connection Station if you are coming and if you will be bringing chili.

BLUE CHRISTMAS This time of year is intended to be full of hope and joy. It is intended to be a time to
celebrate and experience the love of Christ and family. However, for those who have lost someone to death, it
can be a time of great sorrow and grief. On Sunday, December 14th, at 12:30 pm, we are going to gather for a
Blue Christmas service in our Sanctuary. This service is one of remembrance and hope where we will
acknowledge our grief, but also the hope that comes from Gods constant presence. I pray you will join us for
this time of worship and that you will benefit from the bond it will provide.
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP LUNCH - We are so blessed every Sunday to enjoy lunch on the grounds here at
Druid Hills. The only way this sacred time happens is because of you. You bring the food, you pitch in to
clean up, you invest in this time in so many ways.
Each week a different group in the church takes a turn providing the food and cleaning up the Hall. Over the
years the membership in some of these groups have declined to where much of the work on a particular week
is falling to just a few.
I want to encourage each of you to consider joining these people to help out one or two weeks a month. Bring
a dish to share, grab a rag afterwards to clean the tables, or pitch in in any other of the numerous ways you
have the ability. By each of us continuing to work together, we can continue to enjoy the beauty and blessing
of Sunday lunch together!

Sunshine Herald

Page 5

LEESBURG WOMENS RETREAT

The women of Druid Hills UMC are attending the March 20-22, 2015 weekend retreat. It will be here before we know it. There will be a short meeting for all who have registered on Sunday, December 7th after
church in fellowship hall. The group is ordering shirts with our church logo. Look for Terri Silvola-Finch or
Linda Hughes to select and order your size. If you have not registered, information will be available.

ADVENT CHALLENGE : DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING

ONLY FOUR AND A HALF WEEKS TO GO
Last year's challenge was so incredibly successful and so many lives were touched by this act of generosity,
the leadership of the church wanted to do it again this year. Once again our goal between now and Christmas Eve is to raise $5,000 to be split between a local and global charity. Of our goal, $2,900 will go to our
global charity, Stop Hunger Now, as we strive to host another meal packaging event to help those children
around the world that are suffering from malnourishment. The other $2,100 will go to our local mission, a
Church Has Left the Building event, scheduled for early 2015.
*Our Goal $ 5,000 Raised To Date $ 4,230.00*
Please prayerfully consider how you might give, above and beyond your normal giving, to support
this challenge so we may reach out and share the love of Christ with other people.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

JANUARY
1
2
5
6
13
14
15
18
19
20
21

Happy New Year! - office closed

Office closed
11 am - Moving Forward
8:15 am ROMEOs
7:00 pm Choir
8:15 am ROMEOS
10 am - Worship Committee
5:30pm UMM
10:00 am Children Workshop
12:30 pm MODELs
12:30 pm S.O.S.
8:00 am LIFE LINE SCREENING
8:15 am ROMEOs
10:00 am UMW
5:00 pm Trustees
6:15 pm Finance

CHURCH CHUCKLES
Ill bet you dont know what
day this is, a young bride told
her husband one morning. Of
course I do, he answered as
he left for work. During the
day, a bouquet of flowers, an
elegant box of chocolates, and
a gift card for the brides favorite boutique were delivered to
the home. The woman couldnt wait to greet her husband at
the door that evening. Honey,
thank you for the flowers, the
chocolates, the gift card...Ive
never had a more wonderful
Groundhog Day in all my life!

Sunshine Herald
Sun

Mon

Page 7

Tue

Wed

Thu

APRIL 2007

11:30 am
Moving Forward

8:15 am
ROMEOs

10:00 am
Bible Study

10:00 am
UMW Set up
For Advent
Breakfast

ADVENT
BREAKFAST
9:30 am

12

13

14
9:00 am
Adult Focus Group

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

6:00 pm
Jr. Girl Scouts

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts

9
8:15 am
ROMEOs

10

11
10:00 am
Bible Study

10:00 am
Worship
Committee

5:30 pm UMM

5:30 pm
FAD NIGHT

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

15

16
8:15 am
ROMEOs

10:30 am
Worship Service
12:45 am
BLUE SUNDAY
Worship Service

21
9:00 am
Adult Focus Group

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts

17

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

6:00 pm
Jr Girl Scouts

22

23

24

12:30 PM S.O.S.
2:00 pm Ocala
Health & Rehab

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

28

29

30

7:00 pm Parents
Cub Scouts

5:00 pm
Interfaith

3:00 pm
CHRISTMAS
CAROLING
chili and
Hot chocolate

19

20

26

27

12:30 pm
MODELs

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

10:30 am
Worship Service
CANTATA

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts

18
10:00 am
Bible Study

10:00 am UMW

8:15 am
ROMEOs

Sat

5:30 pm
FAD NIGHT

7
9:00 am
Adult Focus Group
10:30 am
Worship Service

Fri

5:30 pm
FAD Night
6:00 pm
Girl Scouts
25
Office Closed

Office Closed

CHRISTMAS
DAY

CHRISTMAS
EVE
SERVICE

31

9:00 am
Adult Focus Group

8:15 am
ROMEOs

Office Closed

10:30 am
Worship Service

10:00 am
UMW
Take Down
Decorations

NEW YEARS
EVE

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

December 2014

Office Closed

Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Sunshine Herald
1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd.
Ocala, FL 34471